Theft of information resources and students’ satisfaction with library services in colleges of education in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examines theft and students’ satisfaction with library services in colleges of education in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study population comprised of 5,186 students who are eligible students in the 2017/2018 academic session of the colleges of education under study. A total of 400 participants were selected or drawn from the study universal population using the multi-stage sampling techniques (Purposive and random techniques). The research instrument employed for the study is the questionnaire. Out of the 400 copies of the questionnaire administered to the study respondents, 264 of them were completely filled-out representing 66% response rate which were also found useful for the study. Data gathered through this process were analyzed using SPSS version 20.15 via its sub-sections such as frequency count, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Main findings resulting from the analyzed data includes that: Extent of library information materials theft among students of colleges of education in Lagos state is low, and that students were satisfied with the services rendered in their libraries. The study also revealed several issues responsible for the theft of library materials in College of education libraries in Lagos state to include: lack of proper documentation of students, financial constraint on the part of the students, selfishness, and unavailability of online databases among others. In view of the findings, the researchers recommend policies that will help to reduce/eradicate theft of information resources in libraries should be formulated and implemented.